This is just me, hanging out with Humberto Leon, Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony, Chlo√´ Sevigny and Henry Holland – ya know – maxing and relaxing. We weren't shooting the breeze talking about rem‚Ä¶. wanderlust and irony (you don't know how hard it was to resist asking Ms. Sevigny about those videos). I along with Henry were there to moderate a Q&A with Humberto, Carol and Chlo√´ to celebrate the official opening of the official Opening Ceremony London store.

They went all out with a big shebang that involved lobster noodles at a cheesy Chinatown restaurant, mariachi dancers and hula hoop girls last time when they opened up their pop-up store on King Street. Now the dust has settled a bit, they bring us their bigger, better-laid-out and more importantly PROPER store down the road on 35 King Street. It feels proper because of the amount of stock that's there and the fact that it's so open-plan. It currently occupies one floor but there are plans to expand into the basement. With the selection of brands, they've made a point of stocking all the stuff that we can't get out mitts on and not doubling up on brands that are already well-represented in London (no J.W. Anderson, Christopher Kane, Proenza Schouler etc‚Ä¶) but plenty of the stuff that I personally love. In particular their Korean label section with labels like Kaal E Suktae, Kye and Steve J & Yoni P is really strong. There's the expected lot of Kenzo, Opening Ceremony own brand line and a few of their collabs too but as you can read on the brand list on the mirror below, there are a lot of unfamiliar labels for even the most hardcore of fash kids to discover. Like I said, OC is always a place of discovery for me, making me feel like I haven't done my job properly because I always find something to go home and research about.

As for the Q&A itself, the guys were pros at talking about their beginnings, their friendship and their collaborations. The key point to take away is that whilst Carol and Humberto had no formal experience of retailing, they always approached the look and feel of the store and the buy as a consumer. They are consummate shoppers and have an eye for truffling out treasure and ever keen to want to bring that sense of newness to Opening Ceremony, hence why they excitedly shop in their own stores, rifling through the racks after hours. Chlo√´ is a genuine diehard supporter of the store and what they do. She was showing her support by wearing a Kenzo suit and an embellished vintage beret (apparently she has a thing for decorated berets). With regards to her collaboration with Opening Ceremony, she regularly takes inspiration from the streets, observing life in her nearby Tompkins Square Park as well as working with the duo to eke out ideas from her collaged sketches (which I'd love to see). As for the other collaborations that Opening Ceremony do, I did ask whether Humberto and Carol had any dream collabs in mind. They've pretty much nailed some of them already but Humberto threw out a few wish list ideas like Esprit, Benetton and Fiorucci – brands of yesteryear that were brilliant at one point and could do with an update. If anyone can make it happen, those guys can. A little-known fact? They had a few lame name choices in the hat before the store was officially christened Opening Ceremony. Imagine Passport as a store name? Nah‚Ä¶

I did a spot of shopping myself as you can see from my Cher a la Clueless laden-with-bags shot. I naturally veered towards anything with a fuzzy texture. I think I was sub consciously going for the look of a Care Bear as I picked up a faux fur skirted Fleamadonnadress and a sweatshirt with monster sleeves and a fleecy back by New York reworked vintage label Reborn Process. I'm wearing the sweatshirt on the flight to San Francisco today as we speak and yes, I will in fact be rubbing by arms needlessly.

Worn with J.W. Anderson skirt

May I belatedly I mention that I had the MOST fun in a LONG time at the Opening Ceremony 10 Year Anniversary Party back in New York during fashion week. I have no preconception of all the various legendary NY club nights that the party referenced and had condensed into one mahussive Webster Hall but I definitely got a taste of some of them thanks to OC. The best thing about it? That it wasn't like a fashion party at all. People actually danced. They didn't shuffle around meekly with their drinks. Talking to strangers didn't involve awkward small talk. Oh and in every party picture of me there's a broad smile that was completely dance-induced.

Comments (34)

I love that they bring attention to Korean fashion, as most fashion consumers still totally underestimate the sheer fashion genius of this country. Most people, when they hear ‘korean’, still think about frilly and lacey, but it has now become so much more than that. This also happens to be my personal project, with my store focusing on Korean fashion, although perhaps a slightly more wearable selection than OC’s!
Elisa – Wandering Minds fashion
ourwanderingminds.com

So amazing that they are stocking the brands we can’t get atm! Can’t wait to get in there and start blowing this term’s budget.
P.S. Never mind “asking” her about the videos, I’d have forced her to reenact my favourite scene at gun point!!

Undoubtably fashion at its finest – as well as at its kookiest! “Passport” is a rather questionable name, but I am sure that if Leon and Lim still produced the same level of sleek, carefully crafted, unique pieces that they are currently producing – under the moniker “Passport” – I think they would probably be forgiven for the lame name choice!
Best Wishes,
Tara

I love a big post by you! I’m so excited to pop over to Kings to visit their official store, bye bye pop up. I can’t wait to go see their stock. Btw love the cute pic of you holding up that dragon/muppet scarf, I remember seeing it next to some KTZ menswear, almost reminiscent of Prada’s SS11 fur stole’s gone wild. Oh, and I’ve posted up a new giveaway competition to use Instagram to win a new Fisheye Camera!
xx The Provokerhttp://www.the-provoker.com/2012/10/autumn-apertures.html
FISHEYE CAMERA GIVEAWAY COMPETITION
FISHEYE CAMERA GIVEAWAY COMPETITION
FISHEYE CAMERA GIVEAWAY COMPETITION

I did interview with Leon & Carol when they came to HK for Opening Ceremony Pop-Up store @Lane Crawford. They are very nice & full of passion in fashion. I like them very much http://www.eleanoryeung.wordpress.com

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Never too much of an Opening Ceremony fan, but Love what Leon and Carol have done with Kenzo! They’ve totally revamped the brand into a relevant youthful vibrant ball of energy that we look forward to every fashion week (the bribes of Momofuku cookies and Magnolia bakery don’t hurt either). That’s why we named Kenzo a brand to watch!http://cirquedelatelier.blogspot.com/2012/10/brand-watch-kenzo.html